Let me start out by saying that I don't like political parties. Like George Washington, I loathe them. They create and perpetuate, among other things, an us-against-them mindset that makes it almost impossible for lawmakers to get anything done. (For instance, rather than voting on the merits of a new law, members of Congress will instead simply vote along party lines, refusing to support a good idea simply because it was espoused by the other side.) Thus, I've spent my entire voting life as an independent, making it clear that my support has to be earned and doesn't come to anyone merely by virtue of political association. (I realize that this means Democrats and Republicans alike will probably marginalize me and my views, but I can live with that. At least they know that when they step to me they better be bringing something of substance to the table, because I'm not cheering or voting for any ole wide-grinnin', handshakin', baby-kissin' asshole just because we we're both wearing blue or red.)
Anyway, I'm watching the Republican National Convention, and I just keep hoping, praying and just flat-out wondering: "When the fuck is somebody gonna call 'bullshit'?"
I mean, let's be honest: Donald Trump is not a guy you want in the White House. The more he speaks, the more it becomes abundantly clear that he lacks the diplomacy, the leadership skills, and - frankly speaking - the acumen to be President. The man has spouted not just rabid and inflammatory speech, but also some of the vilest and most loathsome rhetoric I've heard from anyone (let alone a candidate for office) in my life. His words and outlook are divisive and incendiary, rather than being inclusive and embracive. His focus is more on the differences rather than the similarities between the people he allegedly wants to lead.
And yet, for all that, I'm happy that Trump was able to run for his party's nomination. I'm glad that someone outside the normal political machine was able to step in shake things up. I'm proud to live in a country where the will of the people make it possible for anyone - even someone like Trump - to get in on the action, so to speak. Now for what makes me unhappy...
There is absolutely no doubt that Trump is completely unstable unsuitable to be the next President of the United States. This is no secret; everyone knows it - especially the leaders in the Republican Party. And yet, rather than denounce him, they are throwing their full weight behind him. Rather than stand up and say, "I'm not supporting a guy who I don't think should be in office," they are instead choosing to tow the party line. I'm not saying that they're like Nazi Germany, blinding following Hitler's edicts and committing atrocities, but I feel like they're all thinking about what's good for them personally rather than what's in the best interest of the country. (In other words, the party might not support them in the next election cycle if they don't do as expected.)
So, here I sit, waiting for one of these guys to have the cojones to say, "Don't elect this clown." Ted Cruz probably came closest, and even he didn't really say what needed to be said. Still, I gained a new perspective on Cruz. He might not have had my vote had he been on the ticket, but he's certainly earned my respect. But where are the other Republicans that - at least prior to this - I looked on favorably? Chris Christie? Paul Ryan? John McCain? These guys should be vilifying Trump, calling him out, making it clear that his views are starkly in contrast to those of the Republican Party (or just those that they personally espouse).
But the Republican Party leadership isn't doing any of that. Instead, they're supporting Trump. Praising him. Parading him around on their shoulders, like he's the greatest thing since breathable air. That they are doing that rather than the opposite is a telltale sign to me. The fact that they would endorse the candidacy of such a man tells me all I need to know about the Republican Party, and I want no part of them, their platform or their candidate(s).
